Chapter 20

• Alex sat beside the hospital bed, Ethan motionless under layers of sterile white sheets. Machines hummed quietly at his side, tracking the rhythm of his heart and breath. Alex gently held Ethan's hand, eyes locked on his bruised face, filled with regret and quiet apology.
• The door swung open.
• Ethan's parents rushed in—his mother reaching the bedside first and gasping softly. Seeing her, Alex quickly released Ethan's hand and stood up.